REGULAR MEETING OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

MINUTES

-
Remote Meeting
https://www.whistler.ca/municipal-gov/council/watch-council-meetings
PRESENT:
  • Mayor J. Crompton
  • Councillor A. De Jong
  • Councillor R. Forsyth
  • Councillor J. Ford
  • Councillor J. Grills
  • Councillor D. Jackson
  • Councillor C. Jewett
STAFF PRESENT:
  • Chief Administrative Officer, V. Cullen
  • General Manager of Corporate and Community Services, T. Battiston
  • General Manager of Infrastructure Services, J. Hallisey
  • Interim General Manager of Resort Experience, T. Metcalf
  • Director of Human Resources, D. Wood
  • Director of Planning, M. Kirkegaard
  • Manager of Communications, M. Comeau
  • Municipal Clerk, A. Banman
  • Capital Assets Manager, T. Shore
  • Senior Planner, C. Beaubien
  • Senior Planner, M. Laidlaw
  • Legislative and Insurance Coordinator, L. Wyn-Griffiths
  • Council Coordinator, N. Cooper

Mayor J. Crompton recognized that the Meeting is being held on the traditional territories of the Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation.

  • Moved ByCouncillor A. De Jong
    Seconded ByCouncillor D. Jackson

    That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Agenda of June 9, 2020 as amended to include:

    • Administrative Report Rescind and Reconsider Third Reading for Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018;
    • under Bylaws for Third Reading, "Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018"; and
    • Fourteen pieces of correspondence regarding Asphalt Procurement under Correspondence.
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That Council adopt the Regular Council Meeting Minutes of May 26, 2020.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED

A presentation was given by Chief Administrative Officer Virginia Cullen, regarding the Municipal Health and Safety Planning and Facility Re-Opening Update

Questions were submitted in advance of the Meeting by email.

Steve Andrews, 2110 Whistler Road

Re: Budget Questions

Mr. Andrews asked for clarification on the details of the line items in the budget under "CAO Office" titled "First Nations Relations" and "Audain Art Museum - Founders Program", and what these expenditures entail; and he asked why the "First Nations Relations" budget was cut in half from $50,000 to $25,000, but the "Audain Art Museum - Founders Program" had no cuts.

Mayor J. Crompton responded that the "First Nations Relations" budget item is used towards strengthening relations, meetings and events, training and cultural education. He noted that the Audain Museum Founders Program was a commitment to contribute $100,000 over a four-year period ending in 2020. As it was a four-year commitment, it had to remain in the budget. The First Nations Relations budget item was reduced due a change in the ability to host some events, and attend training with the current pandemic situation. A grant has further helped support this item, and reduce internal costs.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Mayor J. Crompton noted that June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and there will be celebrations hosted virtually by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. He added that June is also National Indigenous History Month.

Whistler Re-Opening

Mayor J. Crompton thanked the Whistler community and visitors for their continued patience while the RMOW works to re-open safely. He noted that some students have been returning to classrooms as of June 1, businesses are re-opening with modified operations, and there has been an increase in the number of people out and about in Whistler and the Village. He advised of the continued importance of physical distancing and to continue to follow the recommendations of the provincial health officer.

Municipal Hall Customer Services

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the upstairs customer service area at municipal hall re-opened to the public last week and offers limited services, with physical distancing measures in place. Residents are able to purchase bus passes, tickets and parking passes, pay property taxes, purchase licences and pay fines. He noted that services on the lower level of municipal hall, including the Planning and Building departments, are not yet available in-person, but almost all municipal services continue to be available online, and residents are encouraged to access these services remotely when possible, to limit in-person contact. Mayor J. Crompton asked people to be aware that WorkSafeBC’s mandatory physical distancing measures mean there may be lineups to access in-person services at municipal hall as only a limited number of people are allowed in the building at a time. Access services online at whistler.ca/onlineservices.

Whistler Public Library

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Whistler Public Library launched their new initiative, Library to Go, on Monday, June 1. Library users can now place holds on books and DVDs using the library’s website and pick them up at the library using the new, contactless procedure. Library To Go will be available Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; during this time, book drops will be accessible for materials return. Library staff have worked hard since March 16 to bring many of their services online, and these virtual offerings will continue as the reintroduction of in-person services is underway. To learn more about Library to Go, visit whistler.ca/library-to-go.

Minister of Tourism

Mayor J. Crompton noted that he has spoken to Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare and advocated for Whistler’s needs moving forward through the phases of re-opening. Mayor J. Crompton added the he and CAO V. Cullen had a phone call with Premier John Horgan.

Climate Action Big Moves Strategy

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Resort Municipality of Whistler is more committed than ever to tackling the serious threat of climate change and has launched the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy to focus Whistler’s efforts. This climate action strategy is crucial to Whistler’s future and for this reason, it will underpin the community and economic recovery efforts. The Big Moves Strategy prioritizes action on transportation and buildings – which together account for 90 per cent of Whistler’s emissions. The Big Moves Strategy identifies six specific areas where Whistler can have the biggest impact to dramatically reduce the community’s contribution to greenhouse gases and energy consumption.  The Big Moves Strategy incorporates and prioritizes CECAP developed in 2016. Both CECAP and the Big Moves Strategy support and help deliver the Official Community Plan’s vision for Whistler to be a resilient, lower carbon community. Learn more about the Climate Action Big Moves Strategy at whistler.ca/BigMoves.

Canada Day

Mayor J. Crompton noted that this Canada Day’s 153rd celebration will be a little different. He noted that the traditional parade, street entertainment and evening concert will not happen this year; however, RMOW staff remain busy exploring and developing new ways to celebrate Canada Day in Whistler. Many elements of the celebration will go virtual and be presented online. There will also be pop-up animation dispersed throughout Whistler Village, in several parks, and in some neighbourhoods. Community safety is central to all the plans for the event. The RMOW has also announced that due to the current situation there will not be a Whistler Presents: Outdoor Concerts Series at Whistler Olympic Plaza for 2020. Stay tuned for a uniquely Whistler way to share our passion for music, as programming is re-imagined for this year.

Food Truck Program

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the 2020 Whistler parks food truck season started on Friday, June 5 with a modified early season program. There are food trucks operating at Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Friday, June 26. He noted that the regular summer program will run Saturday, June 27 through Monday, September 7, 2020 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, weather dependent. For more information, and to see the food truck schedule, visit whistler.ca/foodtrucks.

Transportation Advisory Group

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the Transportation Advisory Group revised their recommended summer 2020 actions due to COVID-19. Summer transportation services have been thoughtfully considered to balance service levels and climate action progress with reduced budgets and improved safety measures. There will not be an increase in parking rates this summer, as previously proposed. This also means there will be fewer new transportation actions implemented this summer. Seasonal pay parking in Day Lots 4 and 5 is delayed from June 15 to July 1 and will be in effect until September 15. Revenue generated by parking fees in Day lots 1 to 5 will continue to fund our summer transportation programs and services such as the installation of more EV charging stations, free weekend transit service, continuing the reduced $50 monthly transit pass price, and secure bike parking in the library underground parking lot and bike valet service on peak-days in the village and Farmer’s Market. Whistler residents and employees are encouraged to purchase their parking passes online at whistler.ca/parking

Climate Footprint

Mayor J. Crompton noted that as businesses reopen and trips increase, taking action on Whistler’s climate footprint continues to be a shared responsibility. Until October 1, the RMOW challenges residents to switch out one private passenger vehicle trip each week for a lower-carbon transportation choice. Visit whistler.ca/MayTober to learn more about the programs and infrastructure in place to make it easier than ever to choose a lower carbon transportation option.

Whistler Transit Fares

Mayor J. Crompton noted that as of June 1, Whistler Transit is now collecting fare payment. Transit riders may now purchase one-month bus passes and bus tickets at Nesters Grocery, Creekside Market and Forecast Coffee, Kitchen, Grocer in Function Junction, in addition to municipal hall. The RMOW thanks these businesses for their willingness to provide more ways for transit riders to purchase fare products. Changes to the summer transit schedule that typically begin mid-June have been delayed to July 1. The Lost Lake shuttle and free weekend service on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays will begin on July 1 and end Labour Day, September 7. Late night service reductions also begin July 1. Due to decreased demand, transit service in Whistler will end just after midnight. Visit BCTransit.com/Whistler for the latest schedule information.

Construction Projects

Mayor J. Crompton noted that construction is moving ahead on several priority projects for community infrastructure and utilities, following a delayed start to the spring construction season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Several projects began earlier this month, and other projects will commence in the coming weeks based on the 2020 budget amendment approved by Council last month. Daytime construction is now underway from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until June 26 for sewer maintenance along Village Gate Boulevard. Expect traffic disruptions and transit delays on Village Gate Boulevard between Highway 99 and Northlands Boulevard. Please use the detour via Lorimer Road if possible. For detailed construction information, including budgets, timeline, locations and impacts, visit whistler.ca/ConstructionTracker.

Water Main Flushing Program

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the municipality’s annual Water Main Flushing Program, which began in April, runs until October this year. The flushing cleans the water pipes, maintains water quality, and improves the integrity and durability of the piping system. During flushing, neighbourhood water service may be interrupted briefly. If you notice water is discoloured, run the cold taps until the water runs clear again. Learn more at whistler.ca/WaterMainFlushing

Fuel Thinning

Mayor J. Crompton noted that fuel thinning work continues above the Spruce Grove and White Gold neighborhoods along the western boundary of Lost Lake Park. He noted that work is tentatively scheduled to last until August 2020, but it will stop once the fire danger rating reaches extreme. He thanked everyone for staying off closed trails while this important wildfire prevention work is completed to keep our community safe. Go to whistler.ca/Fuel Thinning for more information and trail closure details.

Condolences

Mayor J. Crompton noted that the events in Minneapolis and at home in B.C. expose the fact that racism continues to be a problem. Whether experienced in overt public acts or hidden in people’s own bias, it’s something we must recognise and correct. He noted that he appreciates the reminder of the need, here, now, to promote justice, and fairness and speak up against racism. Racism has no place in the Whistler community. He reminded the community to be kind, be calm, and be safe.

Councillor C. Jewett

Councillor C. Jewett shared her condolences for the friends and family of Eddy Kubyar, known as “Fast Eddy”. He was a character from the early days of Alta Lake. She also shared condolences for friends and family of Jacques Barbeau who passed away last month. He and his wife Margaret Owen gathered an impressive collection of B.C. artist E.J. Hughes, some of which are displayed at the Audain Museum.

Councillor C. Jewett noted that both the Audain Museum and the SLCC will be re-opening on Friday June 26, 2020. The Children’s Art Festival will be held online on June 12, 2020, and Councillor C. Jewett noted that the Whistler Museum and Archives will be holding their AGM on June 10, 2020.

Councillor A. De Jong

Councillor A. De Jong thanked the RMOW staff for opening and maintaining the parks and trails, and noted that working operationally with distancing restrictions is challenging.

Councillor A. De Jong noted that he participated in a David Suzuki Climate Webinar last week.

  • Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owns commercial properties, which are leased to food and beverage outlets.)

Councillor J. Grills left the meeting at 6:18 p.m.

  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That Council direct staff to implement the streamlined review and approval process for temporary outdoor patio areas for food and beverage services including liquor licensed areas, described in Administrative Report to Council No. 20-051 to support existing food and beverage establishments in complying with requirements of the Order of the Provincial Health Officer dated May 22, 2020; and

    That Council consider giving  first and second readings to Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Outdoor Patios) No. 2284, 2020, and waive the Public Hearing requirements; and

    That Council consider giving first, second, third and final readings to Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2286, 2020 to specify the fees applicable to applications for temporary patios; and

    That Council consider giving first, second, third and final readings to Liquor Licence Application Processing Fee Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2285, 2020 to waive the fee for temporary expanded service area authorizations complying with Policy Directive No. 20-13 of the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB); and

    That Council direct staff to review and approve, as applicable, all individual requests for temporary expanded service area authorizations for liquor primary and manufacturer expansions prior to licensees submitting their applications to the LCRB and not support the blanket pre-approval of these application types by the LCRB; and further

    That Council support the Whistler Village Land Co. Ltd. (WVLC) to enter into patio licenses on WVLC lands.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That Council receive the Whistler Food and Beverage Usage Strategy Recommendations prepared by Thomas Consultants and dated June 28, 2010; and

    That Council direct staff to prepare the necessary zoning amendment bylaw(s) and land use contract amendment bylaw(s) to restrict the use of key food and beverage locations in the Whistler Village and Whistler Creek core commercial areas as illustrated on Appendix “A” to Report 20-051 that are considered important to the resort experience and local tourism economy, to such use only; direct staff to report any building permit applications that conflict with the bylaws under preparation; and direct staff to consult with resort community stakeholders including commercial landlords, the Restaurant Association of Whistler, Hotel Association of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, and provide an online information and input opportunity prior to advancing the bylaws for Council consideration.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED

Councillor J. Grills returned to the Meeting at 7:11 p.m.

  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Grills

    That Council change the restrictions on asphalt procurement to allow asphalt to be purchased from the asphalt plant located near Cheakamus Crossing.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
  • Amendment:
    Moved ByCouncillor D. Jackson
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Grills

    That the motion be amended to add: "That Council reconsider this decision in one year's time and direct staff to continue air quality monitoring, request consolidated production days, and encourage ongoing dialogue with the owner on best practices for the site."

    OPPOSED: (1)Councillor J. Ford
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Motion as Amended:

    The main motion as amended with the final wording as follows:

    That Council change the restrictions on asphalt procurement to allow asphalt to be purchased from the plant located near Cheakamus Crossing; and

    That Council reconsider this decision in one year's time and direct staff to continue air quality monitoring, request consolidated production days, and encourage ongoing dialogue with the owner on best practices for the site.

    OPPOSED: (2)Councillor J. Ford, and Councillor C. Jewett
    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler in open meeting assembled, hereby resolve that the Municipality, as the sole shareholder of Whistler Village Land Co. Ltd. (the “Corporation”), pass the consent resolutions of the Corporation’s shareholders, which is attached to this Administrative Report to Council No. 20-053 as Appendix “A”, and that the Mayor and Municipal Clerk execute and deliver the attached resolutions on behalf of the Municipality.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor D. Jackson
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That Council rescind third reading given to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018, as further revised, on July 23, 2019; and further

    That Council consider giving third reading to Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018, as further revised, with the correct version of the map titled Schedule A: Whistler Land Use Map and Designations.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED

Councillor J. Grills left the Meeting at 8:55 p.m.

  • Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owns commercial properties, which are leased to food and beverage outlets.)
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That “Zoning Amendment Bylaw (Outdoor Patios) No. 2284, 2020” be given first and second readings.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED

As authorized under the Order of the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of the Province of British Columbia – Emergency Program Act, Ministerial Order No. M139, despite section 135 (3) [requirements for passing bylaws] of the Community Charter, a council may adopt a bylaw on the same day that a bylaw has been given third reading.

  • Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owns commercial properties, which are leased to food and beverage outlets.)
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That “Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2286, 2020” be given first, second, and third readings; and further

    That “Land Use Procedures and Fees Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2286, 2020” be adopted.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Councillor J. Grills declared a conflict on this item. (Owns commercial properties, which are leased to food and beverage outlets.)
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That “Liquor Licence Application Processing Fee Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2285, 2020” be given first, second, and third readings; and further

    That “Liquor Licence Application Processing Fee Amendment Bylaw (Temporary Outdoor Patios) No. 2285, 2020” be adopted.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED

Councillor J. Grills returned to the Meeting at 8:56 p.m.

  • Moved ByCouncillor J. Ford
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That Council give third reading to "Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2199, 2018" as revised.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That pursuant to Section 2.2 of the 2010 Games Operating Trust Society's Bylaws, Carlee Price is nominated to be a member of the Society on behalf of the Resort Municipality of Whistler until her membership ceases in accordance with the Society's Bylaws; and further

    That Council authorize the Municipal Clerk to sign this nomination on behalf of the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor R. Forsyth
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Jewett

    That correspondence from Pauline Brosseau, Scleroderma Canada, requesting that the Fitzsimmons Bridge be lit blue on June 29, 2020 in support of World Scleroderma Day be received and the bridge lit.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor R. Forsyth

    That correspondence from Dr. Catia Cillóniz, Coordinator, Pneumolight, requesting that the Fitzsimmons Bridge be lit blue on November 12, 2020 in support of World Pneumonia Day be received and the bridge lit.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Ford

    That correspondence from the following individuals regarding Asphalt Procurement:

    • Judy Bonn;
    • Nancy Wilhelm-Morden;
    • Nigel Woods, Chairman, Director Coastal Mountain Excavations Ltd.;
    • Joseph Farsang;
    • Les Lawther;
    • Tim Koshul;
    • Juniper Buller;
    • Tobi Henderson;
    • Alan MacDonald;
    • Darryl Palmer;
    • Tony Twort;
    • Clay Dowling; 
    • Tina Symko; and 
    • Dan White

    be received and referred to staff.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
  • Moved ByCouncillor C. Jewett
    Seconded ByCouncillor A. De Jong

    That the Regular Council Meeting of June 9, 2020 be terminated at 9 p.m.

    Vote Type: Majority (Voted), Recorded
    CARRIED
No Item Selected